The Queen comforted the girlfriend of jockey Michael O’Sullivan, who died following a racing fall, as his horse Marine Nationale won at the Cheltenham Festival. O’Sullivan had previously ridden the horse to victory in the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle in 2023 before his tragic passing. The race was renamed the Michael O’Sullivan Supreme Novices’ Hurdle in his honor.

Trainer Barry Connell dedicated the success of Marine Nationale at the festival to O’Sullivan, with his girlfriend Charlotte Giles playing a role in the pre-race preparations and post-race celebrations. The Queen presented the Queen Mother Champion Chase trophies to Connell and jockey Sean Flanagan, spending time in the royal box with her family and other royals. Camilla, who has a keen interest in the equestrian world, attended the festival and is associated with various equine charities.

The Cheltenham Festival is a significant event in the area, with bars, hotels, and pubs filled with attendees. Camilla, who regularly attends major racing meets, was recently announced as the royal patron of the British Racing School, which trains the next generation in the horse racing industry. The festival was attended by various royals, including Zara and Mike Tindall, Princess Eugenie and her husband Jack Brooksbank, and Camilla’s children Tom Parker Bowles and Laura Lopes.